The SVG national Red Cross Society launched a pilot climate change adaptation project at the local Red Cross Society headquarters on Wednesday October 19, 2016.

In attendance were participants from the selected communities for the pilot project; stakeholders from the Ministry of Economic Planning, Sustainable Development; Ministry of Education, Forestry Department; the Central Water and Sewage Authority (CWSA); the Calypsonian Association; the National Parks, Rivers and Beaches Authority; and the National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO).

In his welcome address, President of the SVG Red Cross Society, Mr. Bernard Morgan, stated that national Red Cross Society has identified climate change adaptation issues as a priority in their disaster reduction strategy for 2016-2020. According to Morgan, the pilot project is entitled: “Reducing the Impacts to Climate Change Hazards in Vulnerable Communities in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.”

Morgan further disclosed that the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through their Global Environment Facility (GEF) small grants programme funded the climate change adaptation project. He said he expected the “fullest participation of the communities in Spring Village (Georgetown), Vermont, Buccament, Sharps (Chateaubelair) and South Rivers”.

He acknowledged the help that the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) has given to the SVG Red Cross Society over the years. “We’re very grateful and we look forward to our continued friendship in the future”, Morgan said.